Creamy Tuna Pesto Pasta (Printable Recipe)

Creamy tuna pasta with pesto, ready in 20 minutes for an easy and comforting meal.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

01 - 8 oz pasta such as penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or fettucine

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

03 - 1/2 small onion, finely chopped

04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

05 - 5 oz canned tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked

06 - 1/2 cup basil pesto

07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

09 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

10 - Salt and pepper to taste

11 - 1/4 cup reserved pasta water if needed

12 - 1 cup baby spinach

13 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

14 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

01 - Cook pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

02 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened.

03 - Add drained, flaked tuna to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute to heat through.

04 - Add basil pesto and heavy cream. Stir well and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to blend flavors.

05 - Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed.

06 - Stir in parmesan cheese and lemon zest if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

01 - Use fresh pesto for optimal flavor and avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain proper texture.

02 - Gently flake tuna to preserve chunks and create a better mouthfeel.